Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Can Lead to Acquittal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and why each matters.
Can the DENR Secretary Cancel a Mining Agreement Without MGB Recommendation? The Awayan Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies the DENR Secretary's independent authority to cancel mining agreements without prior MGB recommendation, resolving a key procedural question.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Contract Renewal vs. Extension: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the critical legal difference between renewing and extending a lease, and why precise contract language matters.
Domestic Violence and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows why lawyers face discipline for domestic violence—even when criminal cases are dismissed.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Validity of Letters of Authority in the Philippines
Learn when a BIR Letter of Authority becomes invalid, the 30-day and 120-day rules, and how the Supreme Court ruled in AFP General Insurance.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Murder and Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery work in murder and robbery cases, and what must be alleged in the Information.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Teaches Us
The sweetheart defense cannot justify rape. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled and why consent matters in Philippine law.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy can replace force or intimidation in rape cases involving relatives.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a simulated deed of sale is void. Learn the rules on genuine intent in property transactions.
Navigating the Legal Boundaries of Government-Owned Corporations: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Rulin
The Supreme Court upheld the GOCC Governance Act, clarifying the limits of security of tenure and delegation of powers.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Dangers of Assisting False Witnesses in Philippine Courts
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a commission and assists false witnesses faces suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial practice.
Administrative Liability in Philippine Public Service: Duty, Misconduct, and the Safekeeping of Court Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple and gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct, in the dismissal of two court employees over missing drug evidence.
Navigating Tax Law Conflicts: Understanding the Jurisdictional Limits of Courts in Tax Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries of judicial review in tax cases, emphasizing that courts cannot substitute their judgment for that of tax authorities.
Prescription and Speedy Disposition in Philippine Criminal Cases: Key Insights
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for graft cases begins and what constitutes inordinate delay.
Lateral Transfers and Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
When a government employee's lateral transfer appointment is disapproved, does the employee automatically revert to a former position? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Limits of Compensation Authority in Government Corporations: Insights from SSS v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when GOCCs may grant employee benefits without presidential approval, and when officers may be excused from refunding disallowed amounts.
When a Dismissed Employee Can Vote: Certification Election Rules Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may vote in certification elections and how blank ballots affect majority computation.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Can Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil and hold officers personally liable for fraud and mismanagement.
Understanding Treachery and Premeditation in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court D
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and use of motor vehicle as aggravating circumstances in murder convictions.
Understanding Just Compensation in Philippine Agrarian Reform: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed when agrarian reform payment is delayed for decades, applying current market value.
Navigating Judicial Misconduct: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in administrative cases against judges, emphasizing substantial evidence and direct knowledge.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Prescription in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn how prescription periods affect mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Active Wood Products v. State Investment House.
Insurance Proceeds and Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insurance proceeds are treated when a lease is preterminated, and when COA may disallow government expenditures.